As we head into a round where all teams situated in the top eight square off against each other, most will be paying attention to these potential finalists and how they fare against quality opposition.
Let’s face it, there are some tantalising clashes – Carlton v Melbourne, the Cats and the Power, Freo against the Swans, and Essendon against GWS get top billing, and the results will have a huge impact.
However, there is a game at the Adelaide Oval that could effectively end the season of the losing team.
As the Crows and Lions square off on Sunday afternoon, it is amazing to think that a win here will put one team back in touch with the top eight, but that is the situation facing both Adelaide and Brisbane.
Both are coming off impressive rivalry wins.
The Crows knocked over Port Adelaide, with Jake Soligo staking his claim on a full-time gig in the midfield, and Izak Rankine demonstrating the type of form that makes him such a dangerous proposition.
As for the Lions, they humbled their closest neighbours, with a 34-point win flattering the Suns. Brisbane were unable to hit the ocean from the beach for a whole quarter but never looked threatened.
They have each seemingly turned a corner in their season with three wins from eight starts, and now run smack-bang into each other in what is shaping as a must-win clash if finals are on the agenda.
And who better to offer an extended preview than your old pal, The Mongrel?
Let’s get stuck into the Crows and Lions from Round Nine.
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